New Book Reviews

The Printer And The Preacher by Randy Petersen

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printer preacher

Here is the merging of two categories of reading that, if you are like me, you enjoy–Christian biography and Colonial America. You get in this volume two prominent characters in those categories–George Whitefield and Ben Franklin. It is a pleasing, somewhat stretched, and breezy read.

His premise that the friendship of these two men “invented” America failed, but the book did not. These two men made distinct contributions to what became America, and they even had some sort of friendship, but the friendship itself had nothing to with anything in forging of our nation. In fact, the friendship was much ado about nothing as he failed to uncover just how deep the friendship was. I suspect it was not that deep and we will never know for sure beyond that.

Why I will still recommend the book is that these two men with their different lives did have such an impact. The similarities and differences in the two men are fascinating and how people took to them is something Petersen did capture. He succeeded in bringing Franklin alive more than he did Whitefield in my opinion. Part of the reason, I imagine, is that he too followed the oft-discredited study of Harry Stout.

Still, with the above caveats in mind, it remains enjoyable reading.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Hebrews: Biblical Theology For Christian Proclamation by Thomas Schreiner

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hebrews

Here is the first volume in a brand new commentary series, the Biblical Theology For Christian Proclamation by Holman Reference. Published by the same organization that produced the wonderful New American Commentary (NAC) series, we have high expectations(all contributors will hold to inspiration and innerrancy). One of the General Editors, Thomas Schreiner, contributes the inaugural volume. Admitting in the Introduction to the series that we have so many series today that a new series needs a unique approach, this one aims at especially highlighting the theology of the book.

Mr. Schreiner is a well known scholar and a prolific commentary writer. He has done a good job here. The Introduction covers many of the usual suspects (e.g., he is confident Paul did not write Hebrews), but even there he highlights theology throughout.

The commentary proper is thoughtful. Still, he can’t help wrestling with a few of the more esoteric thoughts that have come along. The scholar in him could not resist, I suppose. Also, in a few places I could not agree with his conclusions. The commentary, however, adds really helpful discussion for pastors and, most importantly, the theology angle is successful. We need to keep theology as one element of our thoughts in studying a text.

The size is perfect for the aims of the series. The volume is an attractive, colorful hardback. This volume bodes well for the future of this series. I recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Exploring Christian Theology–Now A Finished Set

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It’s great to see this fine, inexpensive three-volume set that serves as an excellent primer to theology be now complete. (Don’t be confused as I was with this being volume 2 as the set was released in a 3-1-2 order). This set has a chance to be really helpful as size, price, and accessibility are all in its favor. I realized a long time ago that very few people are going to read a full-blown systematic theology tome.

This volume covers Creation, the Fall, and salvation. That means the doctrines of man, sin, and salvation are all covered. As for might imagine in a series that tries to teach the spectrum within believing Christianity rather than one narrow viewpoint as in most such volumes, this one is forced to address controversial Calvinism issues. The writers did a good job walking that tightrope no matter which side of the Calvinist line you fall. Clear discussion that will enable you to think your own thoughts in context are provided.

The text includes really helpful charts and graphs. Historical context about what Christians have believed in the past is exceptionally well done and clear. It really added to the value of the book. Even in the salvation section it was fascinating to read the history of thought about predestination.

I would disagree with points along the way, but the book was a winner and any Bible student would be greatly enriched by reading it.

I wholeheartedly recommend both this volume and the entire three-volume set.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Volume 1

The Message of Malachi (BST) by Peter Adam

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This volume is part of the fine, economical Bible Speaks Today series published by IVP. The series is aimed at pastors and teachers and is one of the best at that audience. This volume addresses the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. As one of the Minor Prophets, Malachi is one of the lesser known books of Scripture, and so help is appreciated.

The Introduction is a little thin compared to some BST volumes, but the author still well explained Malachi’s theme as a conflict between God and His people. The people contradicted the Lord in profound ways, proving their thinking was far the Lord’s conclusions. Their service was sub-par and they were in quite a mess.

He addressed some of the issues typically found in the Introduction in his lengthy commentary on 1:1, so look there for introductory issues.

The commentary is well written, engaging, and thoughtful. He ties in other Scripture appropriately and summarizes well. This will serve as a solid, helpful contribution to our studies of the book of Malachi.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Message Of Lamentations (BST) by Christopher Wright

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Here is the latest entry in the Bible Speaks Today series by IVP. This is a natural assignment as he already gave us an outstanding volume on Jeremiah in this series. Mr. Wright writes as one in love with the text and it shows on every page. He highlights things that interest pastors and teachers rather than the esoteric information some more scholarly volumes bog down in. He understands where this series is aimed and beautifully delivers.

I thought this volume’s greatest feature was how he captured the suffering and near hopelessness that pervades Lamentations. He drew the historical context with precision and the events of the fall of Jerusalem were too severe to sugarcoat. He still found what hope there was, he explained what lament really means and why such words are used, and where the Lord is in it all.

He filled the pages with good things. His comparison with Isaiah 40-55 and how it contrasts Lamentations helped make sense of the whole. This volume is a winner for a lesser known book of the Bible. I hope Mr. Wright get future commentary assignments as he is a joy to read. Pastors and teachers will love this book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fool’s Talk by Os Guinness

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ftalk-guinness Could a book be more timely? Here is a man who has spent 40 years in the trenches of apologetics in our declining culture and who distills what he has learned and gives it to us in this volume. He sees apologetics in its noblest form—a way to lead others to Christ. I hate to use a trite designation like “instant classic”, but I believe this is the right place to use it. Mr. Guinness had me hooked in the Introduction as he perceptively diagnosed our age as the Age of the Self and the Selfie. We can never engage in this age unless we understand it first. It is the effects of that age that has done a number on what he calls “the art of Christian persuasion.” The loss of evangelism has been the greater cost, he rightly explains. He pays tribute to C. S. Lewis, Frances Schaeffer, and Peter Berger as those who have influenced him over the years and this volume is truly worthy to stand beside their works. I am shocked at how many sentences I underlined and how many paragraphs I starred all through this volume. It never lagged, it had no fluff or filler, and was masterful to the last page. I often give more of a summary of content in a book review, but in this case I just want to encourage Christians everywhere to read and interact with this volume. I fear my summary might obscure how good this book really is.  I give the highest recommendation possible to this volume that will likely be as important in 30 years as it will be when first released. I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Luke (PNTC) by James Edwards

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Looking for an up-to-date commentary on the Gospel of Luke? This latest offering in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series, edited by the venerable D. A. Carson, might be just what you are looking for. Mr. Edwards already contributed the well-received volume on Mark in this series, and this new volume has been eagerly anticipated.

The Introduction is relatively short, but its strength lies in discussing things you read no where else. If you consult several commentaries, they can at times be painfully repetitive. He makes a strong statement on the Word of God in his first paragraph, which makes you feel in good hands. His section on the testimony we get from Early Christianity is fascinating. History is his special trait throughout the entire volume actually.

I could not agree with him on sources. There is much speculation in such a discussion, and he does not just skip to the final form as some do now.

Despite my disagreement on sources, the commentary sparkled with great, pertinent detail that really gave insight into the text. For example, there was plenty of material on the birth of Christ that would help anyone teaching or preaching. In fact, I found that true in every passage I studied in it. I call attention to his masterful handling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. That was a joy to read and had profound spiritual insight as well. The Cross and the Resurrection were standout too.

I will always consult this volume on any passage on Luke that I study going forward. I predict pastors will love this volume just as I do. This is a winner!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached by Tom Brennan

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This volume by Independent Baptist pastor Tom Brennan tackles the Sermon on the Mount for Christians today. In thirty chapters Pastor Brennan seeks to help us apply this great sermons to our lives. He does not subscribe to the theory that this sermon is not for this dispensation, and so draws out many points.

Published by Xulon Press, this attractive volume is well written and easy to follow. His approach seemed to me to be devotional, just as you might expect a pastor to speak to his people. The intended audience is the person in the pew. He has read widely and was especially good at drawing in illustrations or quotes to bring out his points.

I might quibble with him over a few points, but he tackled even the more difficult passages in the Sermon on the Mount without dodging anything. He even dealt with the one on divorce. It appears to me that he worked really hard to put this book together.

In that we have fewer Independent Baptists writing today, you might enjoy giving this volume a try. 

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Message of Daniel (BST) by Dale Ralph Davis

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Here is a fine volume on Daniel by Dale Ralph Davis, who is simply one of the best writers today on any Old Testament historical portion, in the Bible Speaks Today series. Helpful in the ways usually found in this series, this volume is also particularly so for preachers. It delivers at a level we have come to expect from Mr. Davis too.

The Introduction is short, but powerful in its easy repudiation of critical theories and dating. I would even call that section fun to read. I found myself agreeing with much of what he wrote.

Again, the history was superb here. Background on Babylon and the Jews in Babylon was illuminating. From thoughts on the diet put before Daniel and his friends to Nebuchadnezzar’s mindset or dream the reader gains much and through the more famous stories as well. He brings out the information and insights most needed

Since I have a different perspective than him on prophecy, I could not agree him on passages like, say, Daniel 9:25-27. Still, he was kind in presenting his amillennial case, and the other historical sections are well worth the price of the book. I would already label this my favorite from that prophetic viewpoint though I hold to a different one.

The book is enriching and I highly recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

danielbst

Return To Me by Mark Boda

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return

Here is a volume the New Studies In Biblical Theology (NSBT) series that tackles the theological hot-potato issue of repentance. Author Mark Boda strives to give us “a biblical theology of repentance” with this volume in the series edited by the well-known D.A. Carson.

The most valuable feature of this book is the in-depth tracing of repentance in every part of Scripture. He divides the Old Testament in the Jewish way as he feels that is more sensible for following repentance through the Bible. He has strong convictions about the Word of God, which I appreciate. He feels the typical approach of viewing the subject through the definitions of the words involved is insufficient. Following that theory, he traces more of the big picture of repentance. Repentance is more in some parts of the Bible than others, but he succeeds in finding what degree repentance is there. He is thorough.

It was surprising that the book is 80% Old Testament, but perhaps that is only because the New Testament talks much less of it. I found it easy to agree with many things he said. It seemed a little much to say repentance was a big theme of John when the word is only mentioned once. Still, you felt in the hands of a capable scholar as you read.

He references the theological battles involving repentance, but really does not address them. He seemed to want to lay the data out there so others could take it into the battle and think for themselves. I can not imagine anyone writing on this subject again without consulting this volume. For this volume set out to do, it succeeded all the way.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.